The sweep is the latest salvo in Beijing s battle to stamp out opposition in the semi-autonomous business hub after millions hit the streets in 2019 with huge and sometimes violent democracy protests.
The mass arrests were linked to an unprecedented, independently organised and non-binding vote last July to select opposition candidates for a since-postponed legislative election.
Around 50 Hong Kong opposition figures arrested under security law Updated Jan 06, 2021 | 08:11 IST
The national security law was imposed on Hong Kong in late June in response to the 2019 protests. Hong Kong Police (Representational photo) | Photo Credit: AP
Beijing: As many as 50 Hong Kong opposition figures were arrested Wednesday under a new national security law in the largest operation yet against Beijing s critics, deepening a crackdown sweeping the financial hub.
The latest police operation comes as China stamps out opposition to its rule in the semi-autonomous business hub after millions hit the streets in 2019 with huge and sometimes violent democracy protests.
Opposition figures have linked the arrests to an unofficial primary organized by the pro-democracy camp last year. It is one of the largest crackdowns yet under Beijing's national security law.